Frank--

Yes, there certainly is another option to microetching copper prior to 
photoresist (and oxide for that matter).  Our company successfully developed a 
no-microetch precleaning process prior to photoresist for the Photo Chemical 
Milling industry, who cannot tolerate the roughened copper surface from a 
microetch.  We have adapted this technology for the PCB industry, and is 
currently being used in several shops.

It is  a chemical cleaning process, that has nearly zero metal removal.  Hence 
the products last longer and are much less costly to waste treat, all without 
compromising photoresist adhesion.  Your only consumption will probably be due 
to dragout.  Additionally, chemical costs are drastically reduced over a 
microetch.

Consequently, this is the topic of a paper I presented at the IPC show in March 
1997.  You may find it in the Proceedings entitled; "Elimination of the 
Microetch in Innerlayer Processing".  Otherwise please feel free to contact me 
to request a copy, or talk about the details of this process.

Doug McKesson
RD Chemical Co.
(415) 962-8004
(415) 962-0370 FAX 

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